DFB-Pokal preview: Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. Karlsruher SC

Borussia Mönchengladbach welcome 2. Bundesliga side Karlsruher SC to Borussia Park for a second-round DFB-Pokal clash.

Borussia Mönchengladbach

It has been a torrid start to the campaign for Gladbach, who remain without a Bundesliga win since March, and sit rooted to the bottom of the table. Interim boss Eugen Polanski has been unable to turn the tide for the Foals either, after replacing Gerardo Seoane following a 4-0 home defeat against Werder Bremen last month.

Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich extended their winless streak to 15 league matches, with the quality of Der Rekordmeister proving too much in the second half. 

Gladbach’s one win this campaign came in the opening round of the Pokal, with Die Fohlenelf dispatching Atlas Delmenhorst 3-2 away from home. They will aim to use a favourable fixture against second-tier opposition as a platform to build upon when it comes to results. 

Team News

Gladbach are without Nathan Ngoumou, Robin Hack and Tim Kleindienst, while Jen Castrop will remain available despite his red card at the weekend, with the suspension only applying for Bundesliga matches.

Predicted lineup – 4-3-3: Nicolas – Scally, Elvedi, Diks, Ullrich – Reitz, Sander, Engelhardt, Castrop, Tabakovic, Honorat

Karlsruher SC 

Karlsruhe arrive at Borussia-Park in a buoyant mood after securing a fantastic 4-1 win against Greuther Fürth last Friday – KSC’s first away win since winning 5-0 in the DFB-Pokal against ZFC Meuselwitz in August. 

KSC are looking to place themselves among the promotion contenders in the 2. Bundesliga this term, after falling out of the race last term.

Christian Eichner’s currrently sit seventh in the table, four points away from the promotion places, following five wins across their opening ten matches. Their attacking form has been encouraging, with 17 goals scored; however, their defensive record remains a concern, with only Hannover matching their 13 conceded among the current top seven. 

With Gladbach’s form in mind, Eichner’s men will aim to cause an upset as they make the trip from Baden.

Team News

Sebastian Jung and Louey Ben Farhat are sidelined, while Marcel Franke faces a late fitness test. Christoph Kobald and Egloff will also be assessed after being forced off in Friday’s win. 

Fabian Schleusener, who has scored three in his last four matches, is expected to lead the line again. 

Predicted lineup – 3-5-2: Bernat – Scholl, Rapp, Beifus – Pedrosa, Opitz, Burnic, Wanitzek, Herold – Förster, Schleusener